"Just get there, it'll be a great day of footy!"
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Parkes Spacemen president Tony Dwyer has a pretty simple instruction for rugby league fans all around the region when it comes to Sunday's huge twin-town Group 11 derby between Parkes and the Forbes Magpies.
There's nothing quite like the annual June long weekend clash between Parkes and Forbes anywhere in rugby league across the Central West, and after a COVID-19 enforced break for Group 11 in 2020 the match is set to be bigger than ever.
It's one of the biggest weekends on Parkes' calendar, and Dwyer is keen to see a big crowd down at Pioneer Oval this Sunday.
"It's always a big weekend, lots of people come home to Parkes and with the races on Saturday and the game on Sunday it's non-stop action," he said earlier this week.
"It's just a good time for everyone to get together; Forbes are really good and they love playing in front of a big crowd.
"The rivalry here is like nothing else in the Central West, and we'll be hoping for a big crowd - it should be perfect weather," said Dwyer.
So there's the usual rivalry for both first grade coaches to think about.
More importantly though, both first grade sides are in desperate need of a win to kick-start their inconsistent Group 11 campaigns.
Injuries to key spine personnel has hurt both Parkes and Forbes, making cohesion in attack and defence hard to come by, though Spacemen coach Brent Wood was pleased his charges could bounce back last week after a disappointing loss to Nyngan.
"It was a real attitude turnaround last Sunday (against Dubbo Macquarie), and this week we have to bring that same attitude again against Forbes for the full 80 minutes," he said.
READ MORE SPORTS STORIES:
Forbes coach Cameron Greenhalgh is in a similar boat, after the Magpies were able to register their first win of the season during a tough away trip to Narromine.
"We were far from impressive against Narromine, but it is always a hard trip and we spoke about needing the win, and doing the little things right, before the game," said Greenhalgh.
"For us this season we've probably been trying a bit too hard at times.
"We bombed five or six tries against Narromine trying to be a bit too flash, so on Sunday it'll be about relaxing a bit and getting the basics right."
It goes without saying that defence wins premierships, and that will be crucial this weekend in what is always a tight game.
After conceding a whopping 54 points against Nyngan a fortnight ago, Wood is pleased his side in now tracking in the right direction, and will be placing extra emphasis on that in the lead-up to the game.
"The key for us is our defence, last week it was real pleasing how we fixed up our attitude around defending and the fact we were defending right until the final whistle, even when the game was won, was great," said Wood.
Greenhalgh was a bit more specific when it came down to the question of his side's defence, and typically succinct when discussing what the Magpies need to do in attack.
"We've been really good defending our own line, but I haven't been pleased with the way we've been a bit lazy letting sides come out of their own half.
"We just need to be better at controlling the football," said Greenhalgh.
There's no doubt neither side has performed to their full potential as of yet, but much like State of Origin, these clashes have a way of spurring the animal within and playing blokes into form.
One player already in form though is Spacemen lock Finnley Neilsen, and Wood couldn't overstate the effect the talented youngster has on the side.
"He was just massive last week.
"He brings a keenness and an energy to the side which rubs off on the rest of the older players; and for him to back up after playing a full under 18s game was just unreal," said Wood.
Fellow forwards Bailey Hartwig, who moved from the Magpies this season, Brandon Tago and Jordan Pope will be crucial for the Spacemen; while the potential return of halfback Chad Porter would be huge - despite the fantastic form five-eighth Jack Creith has found himself in.
For the Magpies, Greenhalgh's son Nick and Mitch Andrews hold the key to re-igniting the sputtering attack - though all eyes will be on the battle up front for what is sure to be a fiery encounter.
You're gonna want a good spot on the hill for this one.
Let's not forget about the other grades either - both women's league tag sides are in fantastic form, and India Draper's Spacecats will certainly be exciting to watch.
Parkes look like having the stronger side in the under 18's while in reserve grade, as Brent Wood puts it, players will be coming from everywhere to play.
Gates open at 10am. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for pensioners.
There will be full canteen and bar facilities available, with all proceeds going to the club. A coffee van will also be on-site.
After the game, there will be a jersey auction and speeches at the Parkes Leagues Club.
League tag: 11am
Under 18s: 12pm
Reserves: 1pm
First grade: 2.30pm
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
Bookmark www.parkeschampionpost.com.au
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
